(Optional) Analyze water quality indicators of a given body of water or aquatic habitat.

Analysis should include, but not be limited to, testing water for

  • chemical sampling (e.g., pH, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, dissolved oxygen)
  • physical sampling (e.g., temperature, clarity, turbidity, biological indicators).

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What types of water pollutants are monitored?
  • How are these pollutants identified?
  • What are some ways to monitor water pollutants?
  • How can macroinvertebrates help determine the health of a waterway?
  • Why does chemical analysis of a water sample only provide a snapshot of water quality?
  • What is the effect of poor water quality on an ecosystem?
  • What is the effect of good water quality on an ecosystem?
  • How does temperature affect dissolved oxygen levels?
  • What equipment is needed to test water quality?
  • How can excess nutrient harm a waterway?
  • Why is it important to know the quality of water?